Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour

Discover Colorado Springs’ Holiday Past with a Guided Walking Tour

The Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour offers a charming 90-minute journey through the city’s Christmas traditions and historic sites. Priced at $38 per person, this warm and engaging experience combines storytelling, scenic sights, and festive cheer. Starting at The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, the tour guides visitors through downtown Colorado Springs, revealing surprising tales from the city’s holiday history, ending with a cozy gathering at a local eatery with a shared appetizer and a $5 drink card included in the ticket.

This tour is perfect for those interested in local legends, holiday celebrations, and historic landmarks. It suits families, friends, and Christmas fans alike, offering a relaxed pace with six distinct stops. While the tour’s duration is just 1 hour 30 minutes, it packs in a rich mix of stories, sights, and seasonal warmth. Travelers should note that the tour is weather-dependent, but the included cancellation policy provides flexibility.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, a perfect length for a festive city stroll
• Price: $38 per person, includes a shared appetizer and a $5 drink card
• Start Point: The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel at 4 S Cascade Ave
• Stops: Six locations focusing on historic Christmas sites and traditions
• Includes: Warm-up at a local eatery to enjoy seasonal drinks and food
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience

Starting at the Historic Antlers Hotel and Its Holiday Gatherings

The tour kicks off at The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, a historic and grand building linked to Civil War hero and city founder General William Jackson Palmer. Visitors learn how Palmer hosted lavish holiday gatherings at Glen Eyrie, setting a tone of festive tradition from the city’s early days. The hotel itself is a significant landmark, and the guide shares stories behind its role in Colorado Springs’ holiday history.

This opening segment lasts about 15 minutes and is free to enter, making it an accessible and interesting starting point. The historical context provides a foundation for understanding how Christmas celebrations evolved in the city, blending local history with holiday cheer.

Celebrating Old-fashioned Christmas Scenes at Salvation Army and Hospitals

The second stop introduces scenes capturing the true spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. Here, the tour highlights the familiar ringing of Salvation Army bells and stories of goodwill shared in tuberculosis hospitals, underscoring community efforts during the holiday season. These scenes reflect the genuine generosity and caring that define Colorado Springs’ holiday traditions.

This segment also lasts 15 minutes and is free of charge. Visitors get a chance to appreciate the enduring values of generosity and community service that have shaped Christmas celebrations in the city for generations. The stories help to paint a vivid picture of holiday life in early Colorado Springs.

Acacia Park and the City’s First Christmas Tree

At Acacia Park, the tour showcases the sparkling lights that mark the heart of early Christmas celebrations. This park was home to the city’s first community Christmas tree, illuminated by creative local efforts, symbolizing the communal spirit of the season.

In just 15 minutes, visitors learn about the park’s significance and see how early festivities set the tone for modern holiday events in Colorado Springs. The twinkling lights create a festive atmosphere, and the stories behind them add depth to the visual spectacle.

The Historic Festival of Lights Parade

Next, the tour takes in the decades-old Christmas Parade known as the Festival of Lights. This beloved event has persisted through many seasons, despite challenges like blizzards and biting winds. The guide shares tales of the parade’s resilience and community involvement, emphasizing its importance in local holiday traditions.

Over another 15 minutes, participants hear about this enduring celebration that continues to bring joy to Colorado Springs each year. The parade’s history reflects the city’s strong holiday spirit and communal pride.

The Remarkable Cooperation of the Post Office and Military

During the tour, a story unfolds about the Christmas cards delivered despite winter storms, highlighting the collaboration between the local post office and Colorado Springs’ military heroes. This tale showcases the city’s commitment to maintaining holiday connections, even amid snowdrifts and icy roads.

In this 15-minute segment, visitors gain insight into how logistical ingenuity kept Christmas greetings flowing, reinforcing themes of perseverance and community effort that define Colorado Springs’ approach to holiday cheer.

Warming Up at a Local Eatery with Seasonal Treats

The final stop is at a local eatery, where the tour concludes with a shared appetizer and a $5 drink card. This cozy gathering allows participants to warm up after their outdoor stroll and reflect on the stories and sights they’ve experienced.

The 15-minute warm-up is included in the ticket price, providing a relaxed end to the tour. It also offers an opportunity for informal conversation and a taste of the local hospitality that complements the holiday theme.

Logistics and Practical Details

This guided walking tour departs at 1:00 pm from The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel. It is designed to be comfortably paced, with six stops covering historic sites and community stories. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families and those with mobility considerations, as it involves walking through downtown Colorado Springs.

The tour also benefits from proximity to public transportation options. With a maximum group size of 20 travelers, the experience maintains an intimate atmosphere, allowing for more personalized storytelling. Participants should be prepared for outdoor winter weather and dress warmly.

The Experience Provider and Booking Flexibility

Operated by Colorado Springs Historic Walking Tours, this experience features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility to your holiday plans. Confirmations are sent immediately upon booking, and service animals are allowed.

This tour’s straightforward structure and inclusive features make it a reliable choice for those wanting a festive glimpse into Colorado Springs’ Christmas history without logistical complications or hidden costs.

The Sum Up: A Cozy, Story-Filled Holiday Walk in Downtown Colorado Springs

The Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Guided Walking Tour offers a delightful way to explore the city’s Christmas traditions in a relaxed, walking format. With stories rooted in local legends, historic landmarks, and seasonal celebrations, it captures the warmth and community spirit of the holiday season.

While the tour emphasizes storytelling and scenic city views, it also delivers tangible warmth—both in the stories shared and the cozy end gathering with food and drinks. It’s particularly well-suited for families, friends, or Christmas enthusiasts eager to learn about Colorado Springs’ festive past.

The tour’s affordability, engaging stops, and flexible cancellation policy make it a trustworthy choice for holiday-season sightseeing. Be sure to dress warmly and arrive prepared for outdoor weather, and enjoy a festive stroll through Colorado Springs’ historic holiday landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the Colorado Springs Historic Holidays Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?
The ticket price is $38 per person, including a shared appetizer and a $5 drink card.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel and concludes at a local eatery in downtown Colorado Springs.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops include The Antlers Hotel, scenes involving Salvation Army bells and hospitals, Acacia Park and the first Christmas tree, the Festival of Lights parade, stories about the post office and military assistance during Christmas, and a cozy end gathering.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as perfect for families, friends, and holiday dates.

Can the tour be canceled or rescheduled?
Yes, it features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I wear for the tour?
Participants should dress warmly, as the tour involves walking outside in Colorado Springs’ crisp winter air.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, it is near public transportation options.

How many people can join the tour?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.